In a split vote, long-time member Marjorie McBride of Bristol was elected chairwoman of the Bristol Warren Regional School Committee Monday night, with Warren's Tara Thibaudeau named …
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In a split vote, long-time member Marjorie McBride of Bristol was elected chairwoman of the Bristol Warren Regional School Committee Monday night, with Warren's Tara Thibaudeau named vice-chairwoman.
Both Ms. McBride and Ms. Thibaudeau won by 5-4 margins. Though there was no discussion on Ms. Thibaudeau's nomination, several school committee members spoke against Ms. McBride's nomination, saying they believe the committee needs new voices.
"While I acknowledge the hard work of people who put in the years, I believe deeply that these positions need to switch," said outgoing chairwoman Erin Schofield of Warren.
"We have to have new voices (and) we have to mentor the next people coming through who are going to lead this district. To me, this should be a new member (as) I don't feel like these positions should flip-flop."
"I too want to respectfully agree with Erin," added member Carly Reich of Bristol.
"As much as I admire Marge being willing to put her hat in the ring ... I do think that we need some new voices."
Bristol resident Victor Cabral spoke on Ms. McBride's behalf, saying her longevity and name recognition were enough to earn his vote.
"Marge McBride has been on this committee for 24 or so years," he said. During this last campaign, she "did not advertise and did not campaign or anything of that sort. I think that's a telling statement there."
Neither Ms. McBride, who was elected last month to her sixth term on the board, nor Ms. McBride, who earned the top vote in Warren last month, commented on their ascensions.
Monday's meeting introduced five new members to the nine-member board. They include Ms. Thibaudeau and Nicky Piper from Warren, and Sarah Bullard, Karen Cabral and Ms. McBride from Bristol.
Voting for Ms. McBride were Ms. Thibaudeau, Sheila Ellsworth, Ms. Cabral and Victor Cabral of Bristol; voting against were Ms. Piper, Ms. Schofield, Ms. Reich and Ms. Bullard.
Due to video feed issues it was not clear by deadline who cast several of the votes for Ms. Thibaudeau.